01/07/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09630

CONTINUING THE MISSION

Taleban rule in Afghanistan is over. That is a good thing for Afghanistan and the rest of the world. But there is still much to be done. The American-led coalition is increasing its military intelligence gathering. The law enforcement process is continuing -- both inside and outside Afghanistan. People are being interrogated. When appropriate, they are released. When appropriate, they are being held. More than two-hundred Taleban and al-Qaida are now in American custody.

The coalition continues to attack remaining Taleban and al-Qaida terrorist compounds. Pockets of resistance remain in Afghanistan. That country remains a dangerous place. But Afghanistan’s new interim administration shares America’s determination to rid the country of terrorists and to keep them out.

The war on terrorism is still in a relatively early phase. There is much to be done both in Afghanistan and elsewhere. As U-S Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said, "the al-Qaida network is global in scope."

Tracking down Taleban and al-Qaida leaders, and the terrorist networks, will take time. "The real task," said Mr. Rumsfeld, "is seeing that they are pursued, seeing that they’re tracked down, seeing they’re not capable of functioning effectively. In terms of conducting the network and raising money and recruiting people. . .we know we’ve caused considerable disruption of that network."

Al-Qaida has a presence around the world. The terrorist network is in dozens and dozens of countries. But thanks to the coalition’s efforts, said Mr. Rumsfeld, "it takes them longer and it’s harder and more dangerous for them to raise money today." Their communications are disrupted. Their ability to move freely around the world is much more difficult. Their training camps are disrupted.

"Our goal," said Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, "is to see that people are not committing terrorist acts." This is accomplished by stopping recruiting, drying up funds, and bringing to justice those who either harbor terrorists or commit acts of terrorism.

Afghanistan is just the beginning. The United States will complete the mission. However long it takes.